Gem City Style: April 2025

Jessica Hunter

Owner of Potratz Florist and Greenhouses Jim Potratz is passionate about plants, as Jessica Hunter points out, the blend of hands-on work and extensive botanical knowledge is typical of Jim, who, despite his busy tending, is always ready to offer a detailed lesson on any plant that catches a visitor's eye.

On a cold and rainy afternoon, I ventured over to Potratz Greenhouse and Flower Shop on Buffalo Road, in the heart of Erie's east side. As I set foot into the 70 degree greenhouse, I found owner Jim Potratz helping a customer. He was explaining the root structure and watering schedule of a plant. Having recently purchased houseplants from Potratz and been impressed by the quality and selection (especially in the middle of a harsh Erie winter), I appreciated the time and knowledge Jim shared during my prior visit. This day seemed no different, with Jim cheerfully chatting with customers and tending to his plants. After getting a full greenhouse tour our interview began in the "warm house," an area of the greenhouse designed to maintain higher temperatures for propagation.

Jim shared that his grandfather started the business after immigrating from Europe around 1919. Back then, the greenhouse focused on growing vegetable transplants for local farmers. "I guess the trolley ended here, and the people would pitch their horses at this location. Buffalo Road was a dirt road at the time," Jim explained, painting a picture of the early days. They also sold their produce at the old Parade Street Market, an open-air market offering fresh vegetables, fruit, and more.

Over time, the business evolved. "We got into the floral business because we would take a lot of flowers and plant them out front, and then people would stop by and say, 'Hey, can I buy some of those flowers?'" Jim said. This led to selling cut flowers, arrangements, and eventually offering delivery services.

I asked Jim about the challenges and rewards of running a greenhouse in Erie's climate. He pointed out the diversity of their offerings: "We diversified in the sense that we do the cut flowers. We grow tropical plants. We grow seasonal plants, such as mums, poinsettias, spring plants, but tropicals year-round. And we have a number of different kinds. You can visit the tropics any time of year here at Potratz."

The 106-year-old greenhouses at Potratz were established by current owner Jim Potratz' grandfather and the business is still going strong today. While early sales focused on supplying fruit and vegetable sprouts for local farmers, today, patrons enjoy flowers and arrangements, tropical plants, seasonal items, and various succulents and cacti, along with those traditional fruit and vegetable sprouts.  

(photo: Jessica Hunter)

Jim shared some interesting insights into how they manage the elements. "In the wintertime, the snow, if it comes down and blankets the roof, actually insulates the greenhouse a little bit," he noted, gesturing with a hose as he continued to tend to the surrounding plants. But the short day length in winter requires supplemental lighting for some plants. Some plants come into flower, like poinsettias and holiday cactus types, he added, seamlessly transitioning back into an in-depth explanation of the greenhouse's climate control. This blend of hands-on work and extensive botanical knowledge is typical of Jim, who, despite his busy tending, is always ready to offer a detailed lesson on any plant that catches a visitor's eye.

Environmental concerns are important to Potratz Greenhouse. Jim mentioned their composting practices and innovative methods for controlling insects, including the use of synthesized spider venom. "I sometimes tell some of these plants, 'if you don't grow you're getting composted,'" Jim joked.

We also discussed how customer preferences have changed over the years. "I mean, in the '70s, it was kind of a craze for a lot of the foliage plants and hanging baskets," Jim recalled. He also noted the impact of recent events: "Sure, it's evolved over the years like, you know, COVID, a lot of people had to be home, so they thought, 'Well, some plants in here would be nice.'" Ultimately, he feels that the Erie community shapes the business through their preferences for indoor and outdoor plants, hardy varieties, and even cactus and succulents. Jim emphasized the importance of light and water for plants, noting that customers control these factors in their homes.

The staff has a close-knit, family-like dynamic, and Jim highlighted their diverse expertise, from landscaping to interior plant care and customer service.

When asked about customer favorites, Jim said people come to Potratz for both "the tried and true, and the unusual." He showed me a vanilla orchid, explaining how they grow in the crevices of trees, eventually reaching the top to bloom. I shared my love for the large tropical plants, and we chatted about the mature plants in the back greenhouse, some of which are older than Jim.

Potratz Greenhouse is more than just a business; it's a living testament to Erie's history and a place where the community can connect with the beauty of nature. And much like the plants within its walls, Jim Potratz' passion and dedication have cultivated a style that's both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly growing towards the future of Erie.

To learn more about Potratz Greenhouses or Floral Shop, visit potratzfloralshopandgreenhouses.com or pay them a visit at 1418 Buffalo Rd. during their open hours Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gem City Style is a monthly column featuring an intimate interview with someone making a creative impact in Erie. If you or someone you know would make a good fit for a future Gem City Style, email jessica@eriereader.com